Cable Bender

ABSTRACT

A system and method for bending a cable. The system has a stationary portion which has at least one stationary pivot. A moveable portion has at least one pivot. The moveable portion moves inwardly and outwardly relative to the stationary portion. A cable is inserted between the moveable portion and the stationary portion. The moveable portion is retracted inwardly and a cable is bent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for bending cable.

2. Description of Related Art

Cable is often very tough and rigid, making it very difficult to bend. However, electrical panels often offer small space, and therefore, there is a need to bend and manipulate cable. Consequently, there is a need for a cable bender which can bend cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable bender in an extended position in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cable bender with a cable in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cable bender in a retracted position in one embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cable in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable bender in an extended position in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the cable bender is used to bend or shape a length of cable. A cable, as used herein, refers to any wire or collection of wires. Thus, the term cable includes cables, such as electrical or telecommunication cables, and other such wires. Typically, cables are not bent so tightly at right angles. Doing so can cause unnecessary kinks or otherwise damage the wire. However, often, such right angles are necessary to position the wire inside a panel box. While an apparatus will be described which is especially suited for a cable, the bender can also be utilized in plumbing and piping.

As depicted, the cable bender 100 comprises two portions: a stationary portion 101 and a moveable portion 102. As depicted, the movable portion 102 moves inwardly and outwardly relative to the stationary portion 101. When the movable portion 102 is pushed outwardly away from the stationary portion 101 that is referred to as an extended position. When the movable portion 102 is pulled inwardly toward the stationary portion 101 that is referred to as the retracted position.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the stationary portion 101 comprises a central void in which to receive the movable portion 102. The stationary portion 101, as depicted, comprises two opposing stationary pivots 103. The stationary pivots 103 comprise a rigid edge which act as a steady surface to counteract the force applied by the movable portion 102. Thus, when a cable is inserted, as will be discussed in more detail below, the cable rests upon the stationary pivots 103. The stationary pivots 103 support the cable while it is being pressed inward by the movable portion 102. While FIG. 1 illustrates two stationary pivots 103, this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments a single stationary pivot 103, or two or more stationary pivots 103 are utilized.

The stationary pivots 103 can comprise a bolt, as depicted, a screw, a rod, or virtually any device which can function as a steady surface. As depicted the stationary pivots 103 are secured by a nut, or other attaching device, which couples the stationary pivots 103 to the bender 100. As used herein, coupling refers to both direct and indirect coupling. The ability to remove the stationary pivots 103 provides increased flexibility as pivots of different size and shape can be utilized in a single bender 100. Further, if a stationary pivot 103 becomes damaged, it can simply be replaced. In one embodiment the stationary pivots 103 have a straight edge along their length, such as the shape of a bolt. However, in other embodiments the stationary pivots 103 comprise a curved shape. In one embodiment the curved edge along the length of the stationary pivot 103 matches the curvature of the cable. This increases the surface area of the stationary portion 101 which is in contact with cable. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the stationary pivots 103 comprise a roller which surrounds a bolt. The exterior roller rotates and rolls when the cable is introduced. The interior bolt provides the strength and rigidity necessary to bend the cable.

While an embodiment has been depicted and described wherein the stationary pivots 103 are separate pieces, such as a bolt, which can be removed from the stationary portion 101, this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, for example, the stationary pivots 103 are integrally made with the stationary portion 101. Further, in some embodiment, the stationary pivots 103 comprise an edge built into the stationary portion 101.

As depicted the stationary portion 101 comprises a wedge shape wherein the stationary portion 101 has a greater length at the top than at the bottom. Increasing the length at the top, where the movable portion 102 is received, provides sufficient space to receive the movable portion 102. Further, a V or wedge shape makes the angle as small as possible to allow crisp sharp corners to be made.

The stationary portion 101 can comprise virtually any material including stainless steel, steel, brass, aluminum, hard plastics or polymers, etc.

The stationary portion 101 is coupled to the power assembly 105 via any method of coupling known the art. This includes, but is not limited to, welding, soldering, via threading, bolts, etc.

As noted, the movable portion 102 moves relative to the stationary portion 101. The movable portion 102 comprises a movable pivot 104. In one embodiment, the movable pivot 104 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the direction that the movable portion 102 moves. In one embodiment the movable pivot 104 is approximately parallel with the orientation of the stationary pivots 103. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the face of the movable pivot 104 which makes contact with the cable has a curved shape. This provides several benefits. First, because of the curved shape, the movable pivot 104 will not bite into the insulation of the cable, damaging the cable. The rough edges prevent the biting which would result if a sharp edge were utilized. Second, because of the curved shape, the movable pivot 104 will not create an undesirable crease in the cable. Such a crease undesirably damages the cable.

The movable pivot 104 transfers force to the cable. Thus, if an inward force is applied to the movable portion 102, the inward force is applied to the cable via the movable pivot 104. Like the stationary pivot 103, the movable pivot 104 can comprise a straight or curved length. Further, the movable pivot 103 can be an integral piece or can comprise a removable piece, such as a bolt, like the stationary pivot 103 described above.

As shown, the movable portion 102 comprises a void 109. A void 109, as used herein, refers to an absence of material such that a cable can be inserted there through. As seen, the void 109 is sized and oriented such that a cable can be inserted. The void 109 can comprise virtually any shape. In one embodiment the void has an effective diameter of between about ½ of an inch to about 5 inches. In other embodiments it ranges from about 1 and ¼ of an inch to about 1 and ½ of an inch. In one embodiment the void 109 is completely surrounded by material.

The movable portion 102 can comprise virtually any material including stainless steel, steel, brass, aluminum, hard plastics or polymers, etc.

In one embodiment, the movable portion 102 and the stationary portion 101 comprise a dissimilar color. This aids the operator in being able to better see the movable portion 102 relative to the stationary portion 101. This aids in operation and increases safety.

The movable portion 102 is coupled to the power assembly 105 via a shaft (not shown) or other attaching device. The shaft transfers the force provided by the power assembly 105 to the movable portion 102. The power assembly 105 can comprise virtually any assembly which generates a force. The power assembly 105 is coupled to a power supply 106.

In one embodiment, the power assembly 105 comprises a hydraulic system. Thus, the power supply 106 comprises a hydraulic fluid supply, the pressure of which, is controlled to provide power to the power assembly 105. When pressurized, the hydraulic fluid causes a piston within the power assembly 105 to actuate, which in turn, causes the movable portion 102 to move. Thus, the position of the movable portion 102 can be controlled by adjusting the hydraulic pressure. While one embodiment utilizing a hydraulic system will be described, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Virtually any system which can be used to provide a force can be utilized, including a pneumatic system, a motor, an engine, etc. Further, in one embodiment a mechanical system such as a jack, lever, pully, or other system which provides a mechanical advantage can be utilized to provide a force. One skilled in the art will understand how to convert the power of such systems to a force which can be applied to the movable portion 102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cable bender with a cable in one embodiment. As depicted, the movable portion 102 is in its extended position resulting in a void 109 being exposed. The cable 207 is inserted through the void 109. The cable 207 will be sandwiched between the stationary pivots 103 and the movable pivot 104. As can be seen, the cable 207 has a portion which has already been bent and a straight portion which is about to be bent.

To place the cable 207, the movable portion 102 is adjusted such that a cable 207 can be inserted through the void 109 but still rest upon the stationary pivots 103. The cable 207 is then inserted through the void 109. The portion of the cable 207 which the operator desires to bend is aligned to be adjacent to the movable portion 102.

Next, the operator engages the power assembly 105 to exert an inward pulling force upon the movable portion 102. In one embodiment the operator uses foot controls to control the power assembly 105. This allows the operator's hands to remain free to hold and maneuver the cable 207 to its desired location.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cable bender in a retracted position in one embodiment. The movable portion 102 has been pulled inward relative to the stationary portion 101. This resulting inward force caused the cable 207 to bend at the location of the movable portion 102. As can be seen, the stationary portion 101 remained stationary, and the stationary pivots 103 held firm against the inward force of the movable portion 102 causing the bend. As such, the cable 207 maintained its position sitting atop the stationary pivots 103.

Virtually any angle can be made with the bender apparatus described herein. As depicted in FIG. 3, a bend of approximately 90° is made. If, however, the movable portion 102 was not pulled inward as far, then a shallower angle would result. Thus the operator controls the angle of the bend by controlling the movement of the movable portion 102.

As shown, a flat cable 207 is inserted into the bender and a 90° bend is applied. The angle applied can vary from about 0° to about 180°. In one embodiment the angle varies between about 10° to about 100°.

In one embodiment, a complete U-turn as opposed to a bend can be achieved. The length of the moving portion 102 and the stationary portion 101 can be adjusted to control the available angles and shapes.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cable in one embodiment. As depicted the cable comprises two bends. This is shown for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. The apparatus discussed herein can be used to shape and bend a cable to virtually any desired shape. Consider, for example, a situation wherein the electrical cable comes up to a building at a location which is offset from the electrical panel. Using the bender apparatus discussed herein, the cable can be bent and shaped so as to reach the electrical panel. Further, custom bends and shapes, previously not possible by hand, can be created prior to introducing the cable into the electrical panel.

Previously, operators had to attempt to bend cables by hand. These bends, even if possible, were not crisp or sharp bends. Instead, such bends were an imprecise exercise leaving the cable unaesthetically pleasing. Further, the operators would tire by trying to bend the cable. Finally, some cables could not be bent or shaped by hand.

The bender discussed herein has several benefits. First, the bender can accept cables of virtually any diameter. For example, the bender can be adjusted to accept cables ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches in diameter. The bender can be re-sized if necessary to handle thicker gauge cable. Thus, one benefit is the ability to create bends which were not possible previously.

Second, the bender discussed herein creates sharper and cleaner bends. This is not only more aesthetically pleasing than bending by hands, but allows for tighter clearances. Often the cables must be shaped to fit within a very tight space; clean and sharp bends allows the cable to be precisely installed in tight locations.

Third, the bender discussed herein offers superior bends at a faster rate. An operator can insert the cable and place several bends in the time it took to make a single, sub-par, bend by hand. Thus, the operator can work faster.

Fourth, the bender discussed herein preserves the quality of the cable. As noted, the cable is secured by two or more stationary pivots 103 and at least one movable pivot 104. Previously, if attempting to bend by hand, operators would resort to channel-locks, plyers, or other tools to try and gain a mechanical advantage. These tools, which have abrasive teeth, could damage the cable, possible exposing the wire. The bender discussed herein does not damage the cable.

Fifth, the bender allows for bending in tight spaces, such as an electrical panel.

While an embodiment has been described wherein the stationary portion 101 comprises a wedge shape and the movable portion 102 moves, in other embodiment the opposite is true. For example, in one embodiment the movable portion 102 comprises a wedge shape and the stationary portion fits within the movable portion 102.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

Clause 1. A system for bending a cable, said system comprising:

-   -   a stationary portion comprising at least one stationary pivot;     -   a movable portion comprising at least one movable pivot;     -   wherein the stationary pivot and the movable pivot comprise a         length, and wherein the length of the stationary pivot is         parallel to the length of the movable pivot;     -   wherein said movable portion is moveable between an inward         retracted position and an outward extended position relative to         the stationary portion;     -   wherein said stationary portion is coupled to a power assembly,         wherein said power assembly provides force to move the movable         portion;     -   wherein said movable portion comprises a void to receive a         cable;     -   and wherein the movable portion comprises a face which makes         contact with the cable, wherein the face comprises a curved         shape.         Clause 2. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said inward and outward movement comprise a movement         direction, and wherein the movement direction is approximately         perpendicular to the length of the stationary and movable         pivots.         Clause 3. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said cable comprises wire.         Clause 4. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         further comprising a cable inserted through said void, wherein         said cable is sandwiched between the stationary pivot and the         movable pivot.         Clause 5. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein the stationary portion comprises a wedge shape.         Clause 6. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         further comprising a stationary pivot on each side of said         wedge, and wherein the movable portion is located between the         stationary pivots.         Clause 7. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said power assembly comprises a hydraulic motor.         Clause 8. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said stationary pivot comprises a bolt.         Clause 9. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said stationary pivot comprises a roller.         Clause 10. The system of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said the face of said movable pivot does not comprise         sharp corners.         Clause 11. A method of bending a cable, said method comprising:     -   a) inserting a cable into a void of a cable bender, wherein the         cable bender comprises a movable portion and a stationary         portion, wherein the stationary portion comprises a wedge shape         with the moveable portion located between the wedges of the         stationary portion, wherein said void is located on said movable         portion, and wherein said movable portion is moveable inwardly         and outwardly relative to said stationary portion;     -   b) applying an inward force to the moveable portion;     -   c) bending said cable, wherein said cable is sandwiched between         the movable and stationary portions.         Clause 12. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said stationary portion comprises stationary pivots, and         wherein said moveable portion comprises a moveable pivot.         Clause 13. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said applying of step b) comprises applying a force via         hydraulic fluid.         Clause 14. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said inserting of step a) comprises manipulating the         movable portion such that a cable can be inserted to rest over         said stationary portion and through said void.         Clause 15. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said moveable pivot comprises a face, and wherein said         face makes contact with said cable, and wherein said face         comprises a curved shape.         Clause 16. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause         wherein said moveable pivot comprises a face, and wherein said         face makes contact with said cable, and wherein said face does         not comprise sharp edges.

Clause 17. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein said cable comprises wire. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for bending a cable, said system comprising: a stationary portion comprising at least one stationary pivot; a movable portion comprising at least one movable pivot; wherein the stationary pivot and the movable pivot comprise a length, and wherein the length of the stationary pivot is parallel to the length of the movable pivot; wherein said movable portion is moveable between an inward retracted position and an outward extended position relative to the stationary portion; wherein said stationary portion is coupled to a power assembly, wherein said power assembly provides force to move the movable portion; wherein said movable portion comprises a void to receive a cable; and wherein the movable portion comprises a face which makes contact with the cable, wherein the face comprises a curved shape.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said inward and outward movement comprise a movement direction, and wherein the movement direction is approximately perpendicular to the length of the stationary and movable pivots.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said cable comprises wire.
 4. The system of claim 3 further comprising a cable inserted through said void, wherein said cable is sandwiched between the stationary pivot and the movable pivot.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the stationary portion comprises a wedge shape.
 6. The system of claim 5 further comprising a stationary pivot on each side of said wedge, and wherein the movable portion is located between the stationary pivots.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said power assembly comprises a hydraulic motor.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said stationary pivot comprises a bolt.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said stationary pivot comprises a roller.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said the face of said movable pivot does not comprise sharp corners.
 11. A method of bending a cable, said method comprising: a) inserting a cable into a void of a cable bender, wherein the cable bender comprises a movable portion and a stationary portion, wherein the stationary portion comprises a wedge shape with the moveable portion located between the wedges of the stationary portion, wherein said void is located on said movable portion, and wherein said movable portion is moveable inwardly and outwardly relative to said stationary portion; b) applying an inward force to the moveable portion; c) bending said cable, wherein said cable is sandwiched between the movable and stationary portions.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said stationary portion comprises stationary pivots, and wherein said moveable portion comprises a moveable pivot.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said applying of step b) comprises applying a force via hydraulic fluid.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said inserting of step a) comprises manipulating the movable portion such that a cable can be inserted to rest over said stationary portion and through said void.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein said moveable pivot comprises a face, and wherein said face makes contact with said cable, and wherein said face comprises a curved shape.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein said moveable pivot comprises a face, and wherein said face makes contact with said cable, and wherein said face does not comprise sharp edges.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein said cable comprises wire. 